If you're wondering why Lance Berkman hasn't been in the Texas Rangers' lineup since Thursday, there's a good, although embarrassing, explanation for it.

At first all we knew was Berkman had right knee soreness. Considering his age, 37, and his history with knee problems, it wasn't a big surprise.

In this particular occurrence, though, Berkman tells the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram the injury won't require a trip to the disabled list. It's very minor in nature, because, well, it's not your typical knee issue. He suffered the injury in a tumble on the team's charter plane after arriving home from New York on Thursday night.

Perhaps I shouldn't chuckle because that has the potential to be serious if Berkman fell a great distance. And again, given his history — two operations on the right knee dating back to last May — any twist or tweak puts him at a high risk for a long-term problem. But I really don't feel too bad about it knowing that Berkman himself is taking the situation in stride. So to speak.

Greatest Berkman answer ever about plane accident: Someone asked him if it was just a freak accident. Berkman: "No, premeditated."

A classic Lance Berkman response to a not-so-classic injury. Not that we should be surprised, though. He's one of those guys who can find the humor and provide a great quote under any circumstances. That's what makes him one of our favorites.